Vinicius Jr faces hamstring injury, set to miss Liverpool match

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury in his left leg, ruling him out of the upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool, the club confirmed on Monday.

Spanish media reports suggest the injury could keep him sidelined for nearly a month, which would also see him miss the December 10 match against Atalanta.

The 24-year-old Brazilian winger, who had been in excellent form this season, played the full 90 minutes in Madrid’s 3-0 La Liga win over Leganes on Sunday, where he assisted Kylian Mbappe for the opening goal.

Vinicius has been a standout performer, scoring eight La Liga goals in 13 appearances and four Champions League goals in as many matches this season, while finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting.

His absence will be a significant blow to Real Madrid’s attacking options in crucial fixtures.

Champions League holders Madrid have started their European campaign in shaky form, with two defeats in their opening four matches.

They lost 1-0 at Lille and 3-1 at home against AC Milan in their last outing in the competition, leaving them 18th in the expanded group table.

Liverpool, under new coach Arne Slot, lead both the Champions League table and the Premier League.